Watch out for silver Snowballs

The silver Snowball would make a perfect addition to your steampunk desktop recording studio.

(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET)

If you're a musician or podcaster with a home recording studio, you've no doubt come across the adorably named, retro-styled, USB-powered Snowball from Blue Microphones.

After making its debut in 2005, the Snowball has become an unmistakable fixture in many home studios, thanks to its combination of sound quality, style, and price. And while it's still as useful today as it was four years ago, its chrome-accented white color scheme looks a little dated.

To remedy this, the folks at Blue are now churning out two new color variations of the Snowball, including black and silver versions. The black version is all black (including the tripod stand), with the exception of the chrome Blue logo and the chrome bearing at its base. The silver model is especially classy looking, with a mixture of black accents on the stand and mic grille.

Beyond the color variations, no other changes have been made to the Snowball. You get the same plug-and-play setup, two-capsule design (cardioid and omni), three-position selector switch on the back, high-quality braided USB cable, and a durable, adjustable metal stand.

There is one more change, actually. Blue has lowered the price on the Snowball from $129 to just $99. You can expect to see them in Apple Stores this fall.

For a full review of the Snowball USB microphone, head over to CNET Reviews.

Blue Microphones Snowball--photos

[michaelportent]

I love Blue Microphones so hard. I've recorded with an 8-Ball - essentially the XLR version of the Snowball - for several years and I love it. Their other, more expensive condensers and ribbon mics have become the modern-day RCAs in a lot of ways - the Baby Bottle, the Dragonfly - all fantastic, groundbreaking mics.

I bought a friend the Snowball, he hosts a podcast; he loved it so much he went out and bought a second one for his co-hosts.

[gadgetguy360]

I would like to check into these. I don't podcast or anything. I just think it looks awesome. LOL. Oh and "a mistakable fixture". No big deal, just thought I'd let you know.

[audiodonald]

A-ha! Thanks for the typo check. I meant "unmistakable". *facepalm*

[gadgetguy360]

It's all good Donald. Your input on audio related tech and gadgets throughout the years more than make up for a single typo. LOL.

[Sonardude]

I hate the sound of the Snowball. Painting it silver won't change that.

[Tonyrichards]

These look sweet. Can't wait to pick up all three and turn some heads in the office!